It looks like the Dorkbot folks are still recovering from their “Strange Things” show back in December and January, but they’re getting back into the swing of it with a full new meeting in March. The dorks will be hosting an audio-themed event this month, with three guests: Jim Owen (electronic /orchestral composer), Doug Haire (Sonarchy, KEXP), and Mike McCracken (Audible Avatar). Dorkbot is no longer about people doing strange things with electricy… it’s about people just doing strange things. And if you go, you’re always guaranteed to see something brilliant you haven’t seen before.

Saturday, September 8th
911 Media Arts
402 9th Ave. N (Downtown)

For Seattle science / tech geeks there are two great art shows opening up this weekend. The first is happening Friday night (12/7) at the tech collective / art gallery down in Belltown – the McLeod Residence. Cassandra Nguyen has become fascinated with giant squid, and is now creating gigantic stuffed replicas of them. Three of those creatures will be on display at the residence on Friday night. The Seattle Cephalopod Appreciation Society will also be on hand to spread education, enthusiasm, poetry and squidy snacks!

The second event is being hosted by Shelly Farnham and everyone over at Dorkbot Seattle. It’s happening on Saturday night (12/8) downtown at 911 Media. You can expect the usual fare of people doing strange things with electricity. Though this year they’re focusing on interactivity: exhibits that interact with the environment, with the attendees, etc. There are a whole bunch of great artists, and the Dorkbot folks always know how to throw a good party.

This month’s Dorkbot is coming a little bit later, since so many of the Dorks are recovering from Burning Man. The theme this month is Dork Swap, and everyone is encouraged to bring abandoned projects, old equipment, etc. for trading. They’ll also be showing off some videos of Theo Janssen’s work and talking about Seattle’s Hazard Factory heading over to Amsterdam for Robodock.

Next month, Dorkbot returns to it’s regularly scheduled time – the first Wednesday of the month, with Dorkmusic.

I’ve never been to Burning Man, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t pique my curiousity around this time every year. The festival starts at the end of August, so Dorkbot this month is highlighting Art from the Playa. Presenters will include Simon Winder talking about his “dog dish” art car, Buphalo discussing fire and art (and interesting mixtures of the two), and Mars Saxman will be showing hot to make laser fingers. And, of course, I’m sure there will be lots more Burners on hand Wednesday to socialize and talk about the whole experience.